Hassan Rouhani: Ideology and Policies

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Hassan Rouhani: In His Own Words

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s statements consistently expose as fraudulent the persistent claims that he is a “moderate.” Rouhani’s words demonstrate his commitment to Iran’s Islamic revolutionary regime and unapologetic advocacy for its illicit nuclear and ballistic missile pursuits, theocratic ideology, support for terrorism and regional dominance, repression of human rights, and enmity toward the U.S. and Israel. See Rouhani “in his own words” to understand the myth of his “moderation.”

Do you know what the Geneva agreement means? It means the surrender of the big powers before the great Iranian nation. The Geneva agreement means the wall of sanctions has broken

Nuclear program

“The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is very unlikely to accept America’s demand to inspect our military sites.”

"The new US administration officials should know that the failed experience of threats and sanctions forced their predecessors to come to the negotiating table. If they prefer to return to those times, Iran will definitely return to a situation much more advanced than the start of the [nuclear] negotiations, not within months and weeks, but in a matter of hours and days. … The JCPOA is not and will not be the only option for the country.”

"Repeated breaches of commitments by the US administration ... can be destructive. … The world should know that any breach of the deal will face a unified reaction of the Iranian nation and government.

"Considering that the US administration has ignored and delayed compliance with its undertakings under the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), and given the recent extension of the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) that had already been declared as a violation of the nuclear deal by the Islamic Republic of Iran..., the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) is ordered to develop the country's peaceful nuclear program within the framework of the Islamic Republic of Iran's international undertakings as defined in the following missions." First, the AEOI is required "to plan for designing and building propulsion systems to be used in marine transportation in cooperation with scientific and research centers."

“We believe that Congress’s latest legislation contradicts the JCPOA and is a violation of it. The president of America is therefore obligated to use his powers to prevent the approval and especially the implementation of [the ISA]…If this legislation is implemented, it would be an egregious violation of the JCPOA, and it will be followed by a decisive response from us. We consider the president even signing this legislation to be counter to America’s commitments.”

“Iran’s understanding of the JCPOA is that the deal is not an agreement with just one country or administration. Rather it was strengthened as a UNSC resolution, and it cannot be changed with the decision of a single administration.”

“We always keep our word. But if they want to breach their commitment, our nuclear capabilities are such that we can reach the level we want in a short period of time.”

“We do not need to trust a country like America because of the JCPOA… If they break their promises during the JCPOA’s implementation, there are mechanisms within the JCPOA through which we can pursue the issue. If the Americans take actions in other areas, they will receive a reciprocal response.”

“Negotiating parties know that sanctions and pressure on Iran is futile. The centrifuges will never stop and the [conditions] of the people will get better.”

“We halted the nuclear program? We were the ones to complete it! We completed the technology. … We were the first to initiate this. By ‘we,’ I mean the whole government, not Hassan Rouhani. By we, I mean the supreme leader. We were all hand in hand. That is why the supreme leader in his speech of November 11, 2003, said that in those negotiations, the conspiracy of Washington and Israel was shattered.”

"In the context of R&D and peaceful nuclear technology, we will not accept any limitations... Not under any circumstances" would Iran destroy any of its existing centrifuges.

"Do you know what the Geneva agreement means? It means the surrender of the big powers before the great Iranian nation. The Geneva agreement means the wall of sanctions has broken... It means an admission by the world of Iran's peaceful nuclear program." Boasting about the regime's victory in the Geneva agreement, only two days after the P5+1 and Iran had come to terms on how to implement the accord.

"No matter what interpretations are given, Iran's right to enrichment has been recognized." following agreement between Iran and the P5+1 on an interim nuclear deal

"Our government will not give up one iota of its absolute rights" on the nuclear issue.

"All should know that the next government will not budge from defending our inalienable rights... We have passed that period. We are now in a different situation." emphasizing that, unlike in 2004, his government has no plans to suspend uranium enrichment as required by multiple, binding UN Security Council Resolutions

"We completed the [uranium enrichment] program." boasting about how, during his tenure as chief nuclear negotiator in 2004, Iran did not suspend uranium enrichment; on the contrary, this was the period when the program was completed

“Any resolution which seeks to bind us to suspension [of uranium enrichment] is unacceptable and we will not accept such an obligation.”

“We will go ahead with confidence-building and will endeavor to build up our [nuclear] technical capability to restore our national rights in the context of the international conventions. This is our diplomacy: to proceed [in] both directions simultaneously.”

"We only agreed to suspend activities in those areas where we did not have technical problems. This is what they are saying now in their negotiations. We completed the Isfahan project, which is the UCF where yellowcake is converted into UF4 and UF6 during suspension. While we were talking with the Europeans in Tehran, we were installing equipment in parts of the facility in Isfahan, but we still had a long way to go to complete the project. In fact, by creating a calm environment, we were able to complete the work in Isfahan. Today, we can convert yellowcake into UF4 and UF6, and this is a very important matter. In fact, UF6 is what the centrifuges feed on; it is the feed material for centrifuges. Therefore, it was important for us to conclude that process." touting Iran's nuclear progress during Iran's temporary suspension of enrichment activities

"I think we should not be in a great rush to deal with this issue. We should be patient and find the most suitable time to do away with the suspension. If we decide to start enrichment in the face of opposition by the West, we must find the best time and the most favorable conditions, and if we decide to work with the West, we must utilize all our capabilities and everything that is in our power to achieve our objectives. We should not rush into this. We must move very carefully, in a very calculated manner." discussing Iran's strategy for advancing its nuclear program against the opposition of the international community

"One of the members indicated here that all this should have been done in secret. This was the intention; this never was supposed to be in the open. But in any case, the spies exposed it. We did not want to declare all this."

"If one day we are able to complete the fuel cycle and the world sees that it has no choice, that we do possess the technology, then the situation will be different. The world did not want Pakistan to have an atomic bomb or Brazil to have the fuel cycle, but Pakistan built its bomb and Brazil has its fuel cycle, and the world started to work with them. Our problem is that we have not achieved either one, but we are standing at the threshold."

Ballistic Missiles

"The remarks by the enemies of the Iranian nation against Iran's missile power are out of ignorance. … We need missiles and the enemy should know that we make everything we need and we don’t pay an iota of attention to your words."

"The Iranian nation has decided to be powerful. Our missiles are for peace and for defense...American officials should know that whenever we need to technically test a missile, we will do so and will not wait for their permission."

May 22, 2017, during a press conference. President Rouhani is expressing his support for Iran’s continued defiance of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, the resolution which implemented the JCPOA. The resolution “calls upon” Iran not to test any ballistic missiles “designed to be nuclear capable.”

“Iran will ask no soul’s permission to build missiles.”

“In response to new US #sanctions planned against Iran's ballistic missile program, have ordered the Defense Minister to expedite the program … We have never negotiated regarding our defense capabilities including our missile program & will not accept any restrictions in this regard …If US continues its illegitimate interference w/ Iran's right to defend itself a new program will be devised to enhance missile capabilities."

“We are Muslim and revolutionary Iranians. We neither idolize nor fear outsiders and will use constructive interaction with the world to advance public and national interests."

“We will spare no effort to defend the Islamic Revolution and maintain its evolutionary path....All the three branches of the government act in unison under the guidance of Ayatollah Khamenei. There is no gap between the branches and the leadership. Adversaries of Iran will never see the day when such a gap happens....We should preserve his [Ayatollah Khomeini's] precious legacies.”

“All of what we have, are due to the Islamic Revolution, the Ten Days of Dawn, and endeavors by the Iranian nation, led by Imam Khomeini, which brought us dignity, freedom, independence, Islamic ethics, and the Islamic Republic.”

“Imam [Khomeini] taught us the path of moderation, progress and development. An imam that at various points stood up to arrogance and the enemy and taught us anti-arrogance and had the courage to, when necessary, choose the path of peace and continue the path of stability and development for the country.”

“He may want many things. He may want to weaken or rip up the JCPOA. Would we or the Iranian nation permit it? America cannot influence our will or our path of resistance and endurance.”

“At the UN, a head of state asked me which of the two canidates [Trump or Clinton] would be better. I said that I would prefer not to choose between bad or worse. Look at how they talk, the way they accuse each other, and the way they mock each other!”

"Iran is a victim of terrorism, and the terrorist groups who have fought against our people are being supported by the United States of America."

"Generally speaking, America is not keen on independent countries. America is not keen on people's freedom. America is keen on countries that completely surrender themselves and act according to America's demands."

"The beautiful cry of 'Death to America' unites our nation."

At dusk yesterday we received a decisive revolutionary order to crush mercilessly and monumentally any move of these opportunist elements wherever it may occur.

Human rights

"Most executions in Iran are related to drug trafficking crimes, due to the long and porous border shared with our Afghan neighbour. If we abolish the death penalty, we would make it easier for drugs to be trafficked to European countries, and that would be dangerous for you."

"I do not believe that an individual would be detained or put in prison for being a journalist." in response to a question from CNN's Christiane Amanpour, inquiring whether there is a reason for the imprisonment of Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian. In an open letter to Rouhani, Iranian journalists said they are persecuted.

"God willing, Journalists Day is a happy day for all of the journalists, and the journalists can do completely professional and national work."

“When someone is condemned to death and he comes to the gallows according to the law, then we have no right to insult him as he is being taken to the gallows… in any case, the law has condemned him and he is punished and this has nothing to do with us. It is either the commandment of God or a law approved by the parliament that belongs to the people and we only execute it.”

"The people did not come to streets for any particular political side. The people came to the streets to defend Islam... because they felt that the culture of Ashura was insulted and the foreigners had created the setting for an intervention."

“[There is] not one person in prison in Iran except when there is a judgment by a judge following a trial.”

"At dusk yesterday we received a decisive revolutionary order to crush mercilessly and monumentally any move of these opportunist elements wherever it may occur. From today our people shall witness how in the arena our law enforcement force... shall deal with these opportunists and riotous elements, if they simply dare to show their faces." denouncing Iranian university students staging pro-democracy protests as “enemies of the state” – a charge that carried the threat of execution

Syria has constantly been on the front line of fighting Zionism and this resistance must not be weakened.

Syria Conflict

“The nation of Iran will remain alongside the Syrian nation in fighting terrorism and safeguarding Syria’s territorial integrity. … Greater coordination between Iran, Syria and Russia can be very effective in the fight against terrorism. Those who think that by supporting terrorists, they can change Syria’s future in their interest, are absolutely wrong.”

“Terrorists must not be allowed to use such weapons to accuse others and pave the way for actions that are contrary to international law.”

“If we all agree that the biggest problem in Syria is terrorists, it will be easier to find a solution since for the fight against terrorism; we will have no choice but to strengthen the central government there…The problem with Syria is that some countries have misunderstood the priorities and the Islamic Republic of Iran [views] the terrorist acts in Syria as a major regional issue…and Iran is ready is ready to cooperate in the case of reaching an agreement.”

“The Middle East region has faced numerous crises including terrorism and drought, which have displaced thousands of innocent people and left millions insecure… Efforts in fighting terrorism should be harmonized, putting an end to interventions and actions by some countries, particularly in Yemen and Syria.”

"Look, in a county where a large segment of the country has been occupied by terrorists, and there is bloodshed inside the country, millions of people have been displaced, how is it possible that we fight the terrorists of this country without supporting and helping the government of that country? How can we fight the terrorists without the government staying?"

"The Iranian nation and government will remain at the side of the Syrian nation and government until the end of the road."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran aims to strengthen its relations with Syria and will stand by it in facing all challenges. The deep, strategic and historic relations between the people of Syria and Iran... will not be shaken by any force in the world."

"[Close Iranian-Syrian ties will be able to confront] enemies in the region, especially the Zionist regime."

“There is a human tragedy going on in Syria and all must do their utmost to put an end to this travesty. But facts cannot be overlooked. Syria has remained the only country in the region to resist Israeli expansionist policies and practices.”

"Syria has constantly been on the front line of fighting Zionism and this resistance must not be weakened."

If your definition of terrorist groups are Hezbollah and Hamas, they are not terrorists. They are the kinds of groups who are fighting for the freedom of land.

Support for Iran-backed Terrorism and Regional Meddling

The Revolutionary Guard is not just a military unit, but it has a place in the hearts of the Iranian people and has defended our national interests in times of threats to the country. The Revolutionary Guards are not only popular among the people of Iran, but also among the Iraqi people because they saved Baghdad. It is also popular with the Iraqi Kurds, because they saved Erbil. It is also popular with the people of Damascus and Syria, because they saved Damascus. It is popular among the Lebanese people because it has been a supporter of the dignity and independence of Lebanon; the IRGC has always aided the oppressed and stood up against terrorists".

"Who fought against the terrorists? It was Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Russia. But who funded the terrorists? Those who fund terrorists cannot claim they are fighting against them."

“We are proud of our armed forces, the Revolutionary Guards, the Basij and the security forces, we consider their strength as a guarantee for peace and stability in the region, the security and the well-being of our people.”

"We will purchase weapons from wherever we deem necessary and we are not waiting for anyone's permission; if we deem necessary we will sell our weapons and we will do this without paying attention to any resolution.”

“Today if we look at eastern Iran, throughout Iran and throughout Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine we witness the hallmarks of [IRGC Quds Force Commander] General Soleimani’s courage and fearlessness. … The IRGC has always been a pioneer for solving the crises of the country. Today the IRGC is not only responsible for the country’s security, but also for the security of the countries’ that need Iran’s help, and it is courageously present in all those scenes.”

“No doubt, your tireless and dedicated efforts and those of Hezbollah warriors on the scene of resistance promise the decisive victory of the resistant Lebanese and Palestinian nations over the Zionist regime, which has always been supported by the Islamic Republic.”

“The Iranian nation has paid a heavy price for supporting the Palestinian nation and opposition to the Zionist regime’s actions but it will continue its support with resolve and determination.”

“The Zionist regime seeks to devise and exploit the ongoing developments in the Middle East, particularly the emergence and spread of terrorist and extremist groups such as Daesh to overshadow its crimes against the oppressed Palestinian nation and others regional nations.”

"The Zionist regime (Israel) is a regional base for America and the global arrogance ... Disunity and discord among Muslim and terrorist groups in the region ... have diverted us from the important issue of Palestine."

“By behind-the-scene attempts, terror, and creating conflicts among the regional and Muslim world countries and Muslim against Muslim and Muslim against Christian wars in recent years, the Zionists are trying to make others forget their crimes and make the Muslims, the regional people and the world forget the oppressed Palestine and the savagery of the Zionists.”

“We should always be vigilant against the danger of the Zionist regime as the main source of violence and extremism.”

“Certain governments are created based on terrorism and see their survival in light of terrorism and its clear instance is the fake Zionist regime in the Palestinian territories. The (Israeli) government and regime basically started its job based on intimidation, terrorism and occupation and today it is continuing the same anti-human path."

The “occupying regime” (Israel) “is the creator of the greatest danger for the region… Americans and the people of the world are more intelligent than to listen to advice from an ever-warmongering regime.”

"We believe that the root cause of problems in the region is the usurping occupation of Palestinian territories."

Iran "will use all tools at its disposal to save al-Aqsa Mosque and liberate the first Qibla (point of direction to which Muslims turn for prayers) of Muslims… We are confident that the final victory belongs to Muslims."

"Today in Iraq, the oppressed people are put to the sword of murderers who, unfortunately, claim deviously to [be promoting] Islam, but in practice they are mercenaries of the Zionists and have made millions of Iraqis, including Kurds, Sunnis and Shias homeless."

"The savage aggression by the army of this child-killer regime (Israel), continues with a deliberate policy to commit genocide and massacre civilians and destroy infrastructure, houses, hospitals, schools and mosques."

"I'm not a historian. I'm a politician."an evasive response to a question from NBC News’ Ann Curry on whether he believes that the Holocaust was a “myth” like his predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

"Unfortunately, there is this pressure group, a war-mongering group, which opposes the holding of constructive talks, and this group pursues the interests of a foreign country, from which they receive orders." accusing U.S. Congress of taking orders from Israel.

"In circumstances where the world of Islam is facing problems in the region, Zionists think that this is an appropriate opportunity to show a peace-seeking image of themselves while in reality they continue their invasions and transgressions of the Palestinian land."

"After all, in our region there's been a wound for years on the body of the Muslim world under the shadow of the occupation of the holy land of Palestine and the beloved al-Quds (Jerusalem)."

"When some [the United States and Israel] say that all options are on the table and when a miserable regional country [Israel] says such things, it makes you laugh... Who are the Zionists to threaten us?" referring to comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel is prepared to take military action to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons